Himalayan Trekking: Annapurna Circuit

Welcome to Nepal! A representative will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel, then your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm in Kathmandu, the colorful capital. This place is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th century. If you arrive early, why not check out Durbar Square with its temples, markets and busy atmosphere. You could also start getting your legs ready with a climb to the Swayambhunath – the 'monkey temple'. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighboring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are also worth a visit. Later this evening head out into the hustle and bustle of the Thamel and Jyatha neighbourhoods for an included dinner with your leader and group.

Start your adventure with a morning drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. During the journey, you’ll see views of the Trishuli River, green hills, terraced fields and the Himalayas. Following the Marshyangdi River, you’ll pass through charming towns and Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Arrive in Dharapani by late afternoon, check into your guesthouse and relax as you prepare for your trek. In the rugged mountain scenery, you’ll stay in remote communities and meet Nepali people whose daily lives are shaped by artistic and spiritual traditions, and a strong sense of connection to land and lineage. This expedition is not only physically rewarding and visually impressive but also a chance to learn about local cultures along the way.

After a short safety talk and an introduction to your porters and local trekking guides, gear up and commence your trek. The first day on the trail begins with a steady climb out of the lush lower valleys with the Marsyangdi River below. Marking the end of the Marsyangdi Gorge, the trail makes a steep push up to Timang before easing into gentler gradients and the landscape shifts from dense pine forests to drier slopes. Earn your rest in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang and the largest settlement after Besisahar.

Wake up and fuel up for another day of hiking in the mountains. A slew of scenery is on the cards today as the trail winds through a deep gorge, along a rushing river, beneath tall pine forests and past the sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Locally known as Swarga Dwar – the ‘gateway to heaven’ – this 5000-ft rock wall is said to be the path spirits must ascend to reach the afterlife. Luckily, you only need to ascend a few stretches of trail dotted throughout the day. Overall, it’s a mostly easy but rewarding walk.

Today, you’ll hike through the peaceful surrounds of Upper Pisang. Follow the track over swing bridges and past an alpine lake before tackling the steep zig zag trails up to the small village of Ghyaru. With over 30 hairpin turns and an elevation gain of almost a thousand feet, this challenging section of track is sure to test your heartrate. The classic Manang flat stone village of Ghyaru is a great place for a well-earned rest stop with epic views of Annapurna II, IV and III. Once you’ve caught your breath, continue upwards as the trail goes over today’s high pass – the first above 13,000 ft. Take in the views, snap some pictures, then descend the rocky trail into the larger village of Ngawal – another alpine village with flowing prayer flags and panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Maybe hang out in one of the small cafes with your fellow travelers or watch local life pass by in the courtyard of the village gompa (Buddhist sanctuary). Continue upwards as the trail heads over today's pass, the first above 4000 metres. Catch your breath then descend the rocky trail into the larger village of Ngawal. Perched on a hillside with incredible panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, this is a great place to rest up - maybe hang out in one of the small cafes or watch local life pass by in the courtyard of the village gompa (Buddhist Sanctuary) 

With a shorter and easier trek today, enjoy a later start. Maybe you feel like sleeping in or you could rise early to see the nearby mountains under the first rays of sun. Gather back with your group and head out on a steep trail downhill to the valley floor and watch as the scenery changes from small shrubs to green forest. Enjoy a relatively flat hiking day on wide trails and dirt roads as you follow the valley up to the village of Manang and maybe watch as local farmers herd their yaks along the way. After the relative solitude of the last few days, this lively hub perched under the stunning Gangapurna glacier is a great place to people watch, stock up on pastries or yak cheese at the local bakery, or even catch a movie.

Today is for acclimatizing, recharging and learning about the local area and its people. Head out on an acclimatization hike this morning, gaining elevation as you trek to a higher altitude to help your body adjust before descending back to Manang to recharge. You may not be hiking all day in the mountains, but you’ll still be wowed by their imposing presence. Manangoffers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Chulu East. Join your group for a visit to one of the oldest houses in the community to learn the history of the village through storytelling and Tibetan tea with those who call this remote place home.

Your trek from Manang to Yak Kharka today will be a steady uphill climb into the alpine region of the mountain range. You’ll notice the trees thinning out, and the air growing noticeably cooler, drier and thinner. Start with a fairly easy ascent past stone houses and yak pastures before crossing a river on a wooden bridge, climbing past a cluster of teahouses, then watching the landscape open wide to hillsides while snow-capped peaks provide the ultimate backdrop. You’ll arrive at Yak Kharka ready for an easier day of trekking tomorrow to acclimatize to the altitude. Now rest up and take in the sense that you’re now deep in the high Himalayas.

Feel free to tackle this next stretch of the climb at an easy pace – the higher altitude calls for it. There’s no rush, so embrace a slower rhythm today and use this time to admire the views from this part of the route. The landscape is dominated by towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks, views of the valley and alpine wilderness. Once at Phedi, there’ll be plenty of time to rest and acclimatize to the higher elevations that are coming in the next part of the trek, like encountering the Thorung La Pass – the highest point on this Annapurna Circuit.

Set off very early this morning on a steep trail to cross the Thorung La Pass (17,769 ft). After a challenging but rewarding ascent, reach the Pass’s peak adorned with prayer flags, a traditional chorten (Tibetan Buddhist shrine) and stone cairns. Take a breather to admire the views and bask in the pride at how far you’ve climbed! You’ve got some serious descending today and your knees will thank you for having those hiking poles as the trail falls steeply towards Chabaru. You’ll cross meadows, drop into a deep ravine and follow a wide trail into Muktinath.

Today, veer off the main trekking route for a side quest through ancient villages for a blend of nature and culture. Head to the village of Purang, then follow a lesser-traveled path that passes through Jhong, a village with a distinctly medieval vibe. From Jhong, descend toward the Jhing Khola River, winding through highland scenery before arriving in Kagbeni. You’ll pass herds of cashmere goats, explore a natural Himalayan salt reserve, and cross a high-altitude desert landscape. Once in Kagbeni, visit a 5th-century monastery and maybe try a yak burger at the iconic Yak McDonald’s. After lunch, drive to Marpha, a Thakali village known for its apple and apricot orchards, traditional spices and distinct architecture. This evening, maybe take a leisurely stroll through the alleys and sample local wines made from the region’s famous fruits – you've earned it.

After breakfast, head out of Marpha by 4WD for a scenic drive through Nepal’s diverse landscapes. You’ve hiked through the alpine wilderness and now it’s time to sit back, relax and drive through lush greenery, terraced fields, rural villages and winding roads along the Seti River. If you still haven’t gotten enough of the mountainous region yet, the route offers occasional glimpses of the Himalayas in the distance. Arrive in the lakeside town of Pokhara by the afternoon for a much-needed rest and recharge.

The day is free for you to unwind and give those muscles a break after all that trekking. Your leader can give you the best recommendations for things to do, where to eat and how to make the most of your time. If the weather’s cooperating, maybe take a boat out for a row on the lake or sit in the park with a good book. Pokhara has an interesting old area, an elaborate Hindu Temple and a Buddhist monastery, or take in even more mountain views at the Peace Pagoda. If your heart’s still back on the trek, visit the International Mountain Museum and soak up some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions. It’s your day, your way.

Take a short, early flight back to Kathmandu this morning, then the rest of the day is free. You could visit one of Kathmandu’s many markets filled with clothing, embroidery, carpets and ceramics, or if shopping isn’t your thing, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan filled with temples and monasteries. Later this evening, relive the trek with your fellow travelers over dinner at your leader’s favorite local restaurant and ‘cheers’ to an extraordinary achievement.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organize additional accommodation (subject to availability) – just talk to your booking agent before the trip!